Telehealth saves Fraser Coast residents travel time

GROWTH in telehealth is transforming the experience of Wide Bay patients by reducing their need to travel great distances to attend appointments with specialists.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service recorded 3745 outpatient telehealth appointments in the last financial year, more than 66% higher than the previous year.

"The option of telehealth, when appropriate, enables our patients to stay closer to home, keeps them near theirsupport network and removes the inconvenience of travelling," WBHHS general manager of surgery division James Thomas said.

"This is making a huge difference to our patients who live in our rural areas and small towns as they can attend their specialist outpatient appointment via telehealth at their local hospital instead of travelling to Bundaberg or Brisbane, for example."